How to drink and buy Prosecco in London

As news hits of an impending Prosecco shortage, Victoria Stewart talks to John Baum, owner of The Winemakers Club, about the best way to drink and buy the stuff in the capital
Colin Davey
Victoria Stewart5 June 2015

Last week we heard that thanks to bad harvest Prosecco supplies could be unsustainable if our thirst for it continues to grow at such a fast rate. Reactions from the wine trade include those who think that the shortage has been underestimated, while others believe there is nothing to worry about. Some supermarkets, meanwhile, are offering discount deals on their existing Prosecco range. All in all, this news suggests that if you do intend to buy Prosecco, you want to know what you're buying and how to spot quality. John Baum has everything you need to know.

Why is everyone talking about there being a Prosecco shortage? Should we buy it?

Prosecco is made from the grape variety Glera, which is pretty much only found in the Veneto hills that make up the Prosecco production region. Bad vintages mean less wine is being made and 2014 was very difficult all over Italy. This has added a slight strain on the production of the wines in this vintage but I would not worry. We have been importing wines form Italy for over 15 years and I can happily say ‘Do not fret - in Italy, where there is a will there is a way.’

What do you look for in a good Prosecco?

I think freshness is key. Prosecco is not really meant to be all about fruit but rather something to clear your palate, so don’t go for wines that are too sweet. The sugar levels in Prosecco are different to champagne so Extra Brut really is the way forward and is what people in the region drink.

I’m new to Prosecco; which one would you recommend I start with, and how much should I expect to spend per bottle?

Be careful not to drink from bar taps. This is actually not Prosecco. It must be sold in a bottle and actually is illegal if sold in a keg, so you do not know what you could be drinking - it could be anything. My recommendation for a quality Prosecco is the Trevisiol Prosecco Extra Brut which is usually around £15 a bottle.

Once I’ve grown more accustomed to drinking it, which Prosecco would be good to try?

There is a style of Prosecco that is very old, called col Fondo. All this means is that while wine has naturally re-fermented in the bottle, Prosecco is usually re-fermented in the tank to add the bubbles, so ‘in col fondo’ is their deposit; it may be cloudy but has so much more depth and flavour. Right now the Malibran Credamora 2013 from Passione Vino is a personal favourite. It’s not cheap at just over £20 a bottle but it’s from a tiny production and offers a lot more than your ‘buy one get one free’. Compared to Champagne it’s a bit of a bargain.

Who stocks good Prosecco in London?

Most of the leading independents offer a good selection but a few that I know well include: D Vine Cellars, Theatre of Wine, Planet of the Grapes, Prohibition Wines and Handford wines.

Which wine glasses are best suited to drinking Prosecco?

If you are truly willing, the Zalto sweet wine glass (£27.50 per glass) is perfect for anything sparkling. Mouth-blown in Austria, this is an an exceptional glass range.

When should I drink Prosecco and at what temperature?

With the lesser wines, always drink them chilled and why not drink them all year round?! If you are spending a little bit more, having it slightly chilled is absolutely perfect. Of course Prosecco is refreshing in the summer but it is also refreshing after a difficult day at work, any time of the year!

I hear some Prosecco pairs nicely with food; what would you recommend eating with it?

It does, even though for most it is an aperitif. Shellfish is always a nice match or even something a little bit spicy, or if you like charcuterie the acidity will always help to break down the fat. Red can always follow for the main.

Visit The Winemakers Club at 41a Farringdon Street, EC4A 4AN; thewinemakersclub.co.uk

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